ABSTRACT
This chapter focuses two major criminological theories, namely, social learning theory, and general theory of crime, for explaining cybercrime based on empirical support. It then covers other theories that have recently been receiving more attention in the cybercrime literature; Agnew's general strain theory, techniques of neutralization, and deterrence theory. The chapter also outlines two victimization theories that have been used to better understand cybercrime victimization: routine activity theory, and situational theory of victimization. General strain theory has shown itself to be a relevant theory for explaining traditional forms of crime as well as cyberbullying, although the extent that it will apply to other forms of cybercrime has yet to be examined. In keeping with the spirit of routine activity theory, cybercrime scholars do not assess motives but rather focus on the factors affecting victimization risk. The chapter concludes with a discussion of a new cybercrime theory, namely space transition theory.
